Species profile
L201 Orinoco Angel Pleco
Hypancistrus sp. L201
Peaceful
Moderate care
120 L minimum aquarium
8–10 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Identity corrected: L201 is an undescribed Hypancistrus form and is not Hypancistrus inspector. H. inspector is a different species associated with L102.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
27–30 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
2–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
1.5
Fairly peaceful but males may quarrel over caves; provide multiple suitably sized caves.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
120 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Hypancistrus sp. L201
Alternative names
Orinoco Angel Pleco, L201, Hypancistrus inspector (historic misidentification)
Native range
Upper Orinoco region on the Colombia–Venezuela border.
Natural habitat
Warm, clean, oxygen-rich river habitat with rock/wood structure and abundant caves.
Diet & feeding
Meaty sinking foods and frozen/live invertebrates, with some vegetable foods particularly when young.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males develop broader heads and stronger odontodes than females.
Breeding
Male cave-spawner; males guard eggs/fry in a cave. Avoid mixing with other Hypancistrus forms where hybridisation is possible.